As the sun begins its descent, casting a golden glow upon the campus, the summer air is thick with nostalgia and anticipation. For May is the season of graduation, the young and the wise alike gathered to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. On 9 and 10 May 2023, graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) joined the College Commencement Day at Wong Cheung Lo Hui Yuet Hall.
Photo 1: Prof Kim Sungmoon, Associate Dean (Postgraduate Studies) of CLASS, congratulated the graduates in the opening address as the presiding officer. 
Photo 2: Prof Daniel Lynch, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education and Quality Assurance) of CLASS, presided at one of the ceremony sessions.
Professor KIM Sungmoon and Professor Daniel LYNCH, Associate Deans of CLASS, presided at the various ceremony sessions and extended their heartiest congratulations to the Class of 2023 in the opening address. They reflected on the lessons learned during the pandemic over the past few years and emphasised the importance of resilience. Although graduation can be uncertain, the education of CLASS has trained students to be flexible and innovative. Moving forward, the presiding officers advised students to be open and embrace new challenges, as one always has options. The Heads and Acting Heads of the six departments also offered words of wisdom and encouragement to the graduates.
Photo 3: Ms Liz Lau Sau-ling delivered a speech as the student representative in a ceremony session of SS.During the ceremonies, graduates were presented on stage individually in their caps and gowns, relishing the moment of accomplishment. In one of the ceremony sessions, Ms Liz LAU Sau-ling, a master’s graduate of the Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences (SS), gave a speech as the student representative and summarised the arduous yet rewarding process of pursuing further education. She deployed the simile of a torch shining into the dark places of human conditions to describe a graduate, inspiring her fellow graduates to stay curious and hopeful.
Photo 4: CLASS graduates snapped pictures on campus with Professor Sylvia KWOK LAI Yuk-ching of SS (2nd from right).CityU has prepared picturesque backdrops and decorations, providing the perfect setting for these fond memories. Grateful for the bonds forged on this journey, graduates beamed with pride and posed with their peers, teachers, and guests for photos. All in attendance today bore witness to the promising transformation of students into graduates. Turning the page, they are now ready to take on the world with newfound knowledge and unbridled ambition.
